India defeats Italy to qualify for Hockey World Cup 2026

Key facts

• India women's national field hockey team qualified for the Hockey World Cup 2026 by reaching the final of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) Hockey World Cup Qualifiers.
• The Indian team defeated Italy 1-0 in the semi-final match held at the GMC Balayogi Hockey Stadium in Hyderabad on 13 March 2026.
• Manisha Chauhan scored the winning goal for India in the 40th minute through a penalty corner drag-flick.
• India is set to face the England women's national field hockey team in the final of the tournament on 14 March 2026.
• Indian goalkeeper Bichu Devi Kharibam and Italian goalkeeper Lucia Ines Caruso recorded key saves during the match.
• Indian players Navneet Kaur and Salima Tete were involved in significant penalty corner attempts during the first half.